Mahogany (likely African Mahogany)
Khaya spp. (usually Khaya ivorensis) • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with medium to coarse texture; features a distinct ribbing or striped effect on quarter-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from pale pink to a deeper reddish-brown. Color darkens with age and exposure to light. Shows moderate luster.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot, though it is susceptible to insect attack compared to Honduran Mahogany.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, boatbuilding, veneer, and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
West tropical Africa
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; appears to be kiln-dried stock, less than 10 years since harvest based on lack of deep oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable; not currently CITES regulated but under observation for trade restrictions.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Faint scent when being worked; known for its stability and relatively lightweight nature compared to other tropical hardwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and finishes well. A grain filler is recommended to achieve a glass-smooth surface due to its open pores.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the visible pore structure and reddish-pink hue are characteristic of Khaya, though it can resemble Sapele without seeing the end grain.